Always be wary of a cornered tiger. The above statement certainly holds credence in the case of the Italian football team of the 2006 Fifa World Cup.

At the time of their departure to Germany even the most optimistic of the Azzurri supporters wouldn’t have thought that his team stood any chance of giving a good account of themselves leave alone laying their hands on the coveted trophy.

Beset by the ‘Calciopoli’ scandal that erupted only a few months before the quadrennial event dented the confidence of the players.

But led by the shrewd Marcello Lippi, the team rose like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes to defy all the odds and claim their fourth World Cup.

From there on however it has been a largely forgettable barren period for the world champions as they went on downhill and resembled a bunch of amateurs trying to learn the ropes of the game.

One cannot be faulted for labelling the Azzurri’s dreadful performance at the WC 2010 as a disaster of epic proportions as they suffered the ignominy of being only the second defending champions after France in 2002 to get eliminated in the group stage.

That they were drawn in an easy group and yet failed to register even a single win goes to highlight the extent to which they stooped in a span of mere four years.

Lippi, who was once lionised as one of the finest tactical managers ever for steering his team to a highly improbable win learnt it the hard way as to how cruel sport can be when his transformation from a hero to zero was complete.

Determined to restore the glory years back to Italy, the Italian Football Federation turned to former Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli.

Prandelli, who is known for his attention to detail, went about rebuilding the team from scratch and got rid of the deadwood like the over-the-hill Luca Toni and the under-performing Mauro Camorenesi.

He infused new blood into the team and gradually one has come to witness a marked improvement when compared to Lippi’s second term which was an unmitigated disaster.

Italy made lightwork of their opponents in the Group C of Euro 2012 qualifying and what should certainly gladden their fans is that they have conceded just two goals along the way.

Robust defence is always considered to be Italy’s strength and with the retirement of the charismatic Fabio Cannavaro and the injury enforced withdrawal of Nesta there were a few question marks hanging over their back line.

But the lanky Juventus centre back Giorgio Chiellini and his Juve team mate Andrea Barzagli, who both share a wonderful rapport, have come into their own after being in the shadow of their illustrious peers.

The mid-field too looks to be in safe hands with the ageless wonder Andrea Pirlo, who seems to be getting better with age and the creative but temperamental Daniele De Rossi both coming off fruitful domestic campaigns and consequently are brimming with confidence.

If there is one area of concern which is bound to give sleepless nights to Prandelli, it is their inexperienced forward department.

Notwithstanding the talent that he has, Mario Balotelli, who has taken a liking to his bad boy image, has the tendency to blow hot and cold and cannot be totally relied upon.

Antonio di Natale at the age of 35 is not getting any younger and after a long drawn-out campaign, it remains to be seen how much energy he has left in the tank.

However, despite all their glaring weaknesses it would take a brave man to bet against Italy. After all who could have predicted that Greece would make a mockery of all the pre-tournament odds and script one of the most remarkable triumphs in the mould of David vs Goliath in Euro 2004.

Maybe this time it’s the Italians turn to spring a surprise or two and they are more than capable of pulling it off.
Italy’s pool: Group C: Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland and Croatia.

Fixtures: June 10: Italy vs Spain, June 14: Italy vs Croatia and June 18: Italy vs Ireland.